Facilitating telecommunication network access via mobile device peer to peer sharing

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are described herein for facilitating access to a telecommunications network by a third-party device via one or more available subscriber devices. The network-based systems enable devices associated with subscribers of the telecommunications networks to establish connections with other mobile devices (e.g., third-party mobile devices of users that are not subscribers) over peer to peer (P2P) communication protocols. For example, a subscriber device can, over a P2P connection, act as a Hotspot, Wi-Fi tether, or bridge for a third-party or other device requesting access to the networks.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/237,603, filed on Dec. 31, 2018, entitled PROVIDING NETWORK ACCESSVIA MOBILE DEVICE PEER TO PEER SHARING, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Although many folks have consistent, regular access to thetelecommunications networks for which they subscribe, there are timeswhen that access is limited or non-existent. For example, many locations(in the United States and worldwide) are covered by one or a fewnetworks, and other locations cannot provide useful or robust access,due to hindrances from topography or infrastructure.

Further, there are many different ways to subscribe to a network. A usercan access services (e.g., voice, text, or data communications) providedby a network carrier as a pre-paid subscriber, a post-paid subscriber,or combinations of the two. There are various drawbacks with being acertain type of subscriber and attempting to access a network. Forexample, a post-paid subscriber can reach an associated data cap orlimit for a certain period (e.g., a month), and be charged at high ratesfor any additional data before the period ends. As another example, apre-paid subscriber can run out of a data bucket, and not be able toeasily renew the subscription before next wanting to utilize servicesprovided by the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present technology will be described and explainedthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a suitable computing environmentfor facilitating peer to peer network access between mobile devices.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating various communication flowsbetween network devices.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providingtelecommunications network access to a mobile device.

FIG. 4 is a display diagram illustrating an example user interface for arequesting device seeking access to a telecommunications network.

FIG. 5 is a display diagram illustrating an example user interface for asharing device configured to provide peer to peer network access to amobile device.

The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Similarly, somecomponents and/or operations can be separated into different blocks orcombined into a single block for the purposes of discussion of some ofthe embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, while thetechnology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms,specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawingsand are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not tolimit the technology to the particular embodiments or implementationsdescribed. On the contrary, the technology is intended to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe technology as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Systems and methods are described herein for providing mobile deviceswith peer to peer access to telecommunications networks. The systemsenable mobile devices associated with subscribers of thetelecommunications networks to establish direct connections with othermobile devices (e.g., third-party mobile devices of users that are notsubscribers) over peer to peer (P2P) communication protocols. Forexample, a mobile device can, over a P2P connection, act as a Hotspot,Wi-Fi tether, or bridge for a third party or other mobile devicerequesting access to the networks.

In some implementations, a mobile device, configured to share access tothe telecommunications network with other mobile devices, can execute asmart contract via a blockchain (e.g., Ethereum) or anotherdecentralized network. The smart contract can define various terms ofuse when sharing access to the telecommunications network. The terms caninclude the rate charged for access, the types of services (e.g. voice,messaging, data, and so on) to be shared to the mobile devices, the typeof payment or credit to be provided to the sharing mobile device, and soon.

In other implementations, the network carrier providing thetelecommunications network can facilitate connections between mobiledevices requesting service and mobile devices sharing access to thetelecommunications network. For example, the network carrier can includea server supporting a system that receives requests from mobile devicesseeking access to the network, matching requesting devices to devicessharing access, and executing smart contracts or other agreements ormechanisms for establishing P2P connections between mobile devices whenone device is sharing access to telecommunications services to anotherdevice.

Further, the network carrier can facilitate providing a requestingdevice with access to the telecommunications network via multipledifferent sharing devices. For example, the network carrier can matchthe requesting device with two or more devices sharing access andprovide the requesting device with access via an aggregation of accessover the two or more different sharing devices.

Thus, in some implementations, the systems enable users unable toconnect to their home or primary networks with access to another networkvia peer to peer communications between the devices and other deviceshaving access to the other network. The systems, therefore, can enableusers to avoid roaming on a network or provide access in locations wherenetwork access is otherwise restricted or unavailable.

For example, a user, sitting in a park, would like to stream a movie viaher tablet. Not having access to her telecommunications network while inthe park (or not having access because the tablet is only configured forWLAN communications), she initiates a request to access a cellular ortelecommunications network providing data communications to the park'slocation. A mobile device located nearby accepts the request,establishes a P2P connection between her tablet and the mobile device,and executes a smart contract that defines various terms of use foraccessing the network via the P2P connection. Using the P2P connection,the user streams the movie to her tablet, enjoying the movie withouthaving to leave the warm, comfortable environment in the park. At thesame time, the user of the mobile device that shared access receives agift card to a local coffee shop and proceeds to redeem her free coffeefor sharing access to the network.

In the following description, and to provide a thorough explanation,numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent, however,that embodiments of the present technology can be practiced without someof these specific details.

Examples of Suitable Network Environments

As described herein, in some embodiments, the systems and methods(“present technology”) utilize telecommunications network-based servers,components, engines, and/or processes, as well as mobile devices andassociated applications, to enable the sharing of access totelecommunications networks between mobile devices, such as smartphones,tablets, and so on. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a suitablecomputing environment 100 for facilitating peer to peer network accessbetween mobile devices.

A user of a mobile device 110 wants to access a telecommunicationsnetwork 130 provided by a network carrier. The user of the mobile device110 may want to access the network 130 to perform voice communications(e.g., voice or video calling), message communications (e.g., text orSMS services), data communications (e.g., streaming of audio, video, orother multimedia content), and so on. However, the user of the mobiledevice 110 is not a subscriber of the network carrier, and thus wouldaccess the network 130 by roaming on the network, if roaming were evenavailable.

However, various mobile devices 120-126 (e.g., smartphones, tablets, orlaptops) are associated with the telecommunications network 130, as theyare associated with subscribers of the network carrier. Using thesystems and methods described herein, these mobile devices 120-126 canshare access to the network 130 by providing or establishing peer topeer (P2P) communications with the mobile device 110. For example, eachof the devices can include a mobile share application (“MS” application)125, script, or component that functions to establish the P2Pcommunications between devices 120-126 and the mobile device 110. Thedevices 120-126 can establish, via the MS applications 125, directand/or shared access to the telecommunications network 130 for themobile device 110.

In some implementations, multiple mobile devices, such as mobile devices122-126, can function to provide aggregated access via P2Pcommunications to a third party mobile device. For example, a mobiledevice 105, unknown to the network 130, can request use of the network130 for certain data-intensive services (e.g., streaming of large datafiles or content, certain video communications).

The devices 122-126, configured to share access to the network 130, caneach establish a direct or P2P connection with the mobile device 105,and facilitate access to the network 130 (in some cases controlled bynetwork servers). Via the combined or aggregated access to the network130, the mobile device 105 can receive or transmit data or othercommunications over each of the P2P connections. Thus, no single deviceis burdened by facilitating all requested network services to the mobiledevice 110.

The MS applications 125 can perform certain functions before or duringestablishment of P2P connections between devices. The MS applications125 can advertise their associated devices 120-126 to the mobile devices110 or 105 as being available for shared access to the network 130within a shared geographical location (e.g., a park, building, campus,event, or other location or structure). Further, the MS applications 125can facilitate the execution of agreements, such as smart contracts on ablockchain or distributed ledger, which govern terms applied toagreements between the devices when sharing access to the network 130.In some cases, the MS applications 125 can directly access a blockchainrepresenting the network 130 and execute a smart contract between thedevices (e.g., between mobile device 110 and mobile device 120) thatincludes the terms of use (e.g., rates of use, payment terms, creditterms, and so on) between the parties.

In various implementations, the MS applications 125 can communicate witha network server 140 of the network carrier, which manages and executesthe sharing of network access between devices using a network-basedmobile share system 150. The MS applications 125 can access the server140 via a gateway 135 or another network-based access component, whichperforms various authentication processes (e.g., via the OAuth 2.0protocol), and routes communications to the network server 140, forhandling network sharing requests and associated information. In somecases, the requesting mobile devices 110, 105 can also access thenetwork server 140 to send requests and other information for sharedaccess to the network 130.

The system 150 can manage and execute smart contracts between devices,as well as match devices with one another, depending on certaincharacteristics (static or dynamic) of the devices. For example, themobile share system 150 can maintain various databases 155 that includeentries for mobile devices 120-126, as well as other mobile devicesconfigured to provide shared access to the network 130.

The entries include information identifying the mobile devices, acurrent location of the devices, a current use or operation of thedevices (e.g., currently in use streaming a video or on a call), batterylevels for the devices (e.g., including whether the devices are onbattery power or charging), capabilities or functionalities supported bythe devices, device type information, and so on. The system 150 canutilize such information when matching devices configured to shareaccess to the network 130 to a requesting device, such as mobile device110.

FIG. 1 and the discussion herein provide a brief, general description ofa suitable computing environment in which the mobile devices 110, 105,120-126, network server 140, and mobile share system 150 can besupported and implemented. Although not required, aspects of the networkenvironment 100 are described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by ageneral-purpose computer, e.g., mobile device, a server computer, orpersonal computer. The system can be practiced with othercommunications, data processing, or computer system configurations,including: Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including tabletcomputers and/or personal digital assistants (PDAs)), all manner ofcellular or mobile phones, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-basedor programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs,mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. Indeed, the terms“computer,” “host,” and “host computer,” are generally usedinterchangeably herein, as are “mobile device” and “handset,” and referto any of the above devices and systems, as well as any data processor.

Aspects of the system can be embodied in a special purpose computingdevice or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, orconstructed to perform one or more of the computer-executableinstructions explained in detail herein. Aspects of the system can alsobe practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks ormodules are performed by remote processing devices, which are linkedthrough a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN),Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Aspects of the system can be stored or distributed on computer-readablemedia (e.g., physical and/or tangible non-transitory computer-readablestorage media), including magnetically or optically readable computerdiscs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductorchips), nanotechnology memory, or other data storage media. Indeed,computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, andother data under aspects of the system can be distributed over theInternet or over other networks (including wireless networks), on apropagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagneticwave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a period of time, or they can beprovided on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuitswitched, or another scheme). Portions of the system reside on a servercomputer, while corresponding portions reside on a client computer suchas a mobile or portable device, and thus, while certain hardwareplatforms are described herein, aspects of the system are equallyapplicable to nodes on a network. In an alternative embodiment, themobile device or portable device can represent the server portion, whilethe server can represent the client portion.

In some embodiments, the devices can include network communicationcomponents that enable the devices to communicate with remote servers orother portable electronic devices by transmitting and receiving wirelesssignals using a licensed, semi-licensed, or unlicensed spectrum overcommunications network, such as network 130. In some cases, thetelecommunication network 130 can be comprised of multiple networks,even multiple heterogeneous networks, such as one or more bordernetworks, voice networks, broadband networks, service provider networks,Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks, and/or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs), interconnected via gateways operable tofacilitate communications between and among the various networks. Thecommunications network 130 can also include third-party communicationsnetworks such as a Global System for Mobile (GSM) mobile communicationsnetwork, a code/time division multiple access (CDMA/TDMA) mobilecommunications network, a 3rd or 4th generation (3G/4G) mobilecommunications network (e.g., General Packet Radio Service(GPRS/EGPRS)), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long Term Evolution (LTE)network), 5G mobile communications network, IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), or othercommunications network. Thus, the user device is configured to operateand switch among multiple frequency bands for receiving and/ortransmitting data.

Examples of Shared Network Access for Mobile Devices Using P2PCommunications

As described herein, in some implementations, the mobile share system150 and/or mobile share applications 125 enable users to access anetwork via peer to peer communications between the devices and otherdevices having access to the network. The network carrier facilitatesthe establishment of P2P communications for access to the network 130via various devices, as described herein. FIG. 2 is a flow diagramillustrating various communication flows 200 between network devices.

First, in block 210, the mobile devices 110, 105 (which can beassociated with a third party or users unknown to the network 130) canrequest to receive shared access to the network 130 via a sign-up orregistration process with the mobile share system 150. In block 212, thesystem 150 enables the mobile devices 110, 105 to receive or benefitfrom shared access, such as by creating or updating an entry in thedatabase 155 for the devices 110, 105. Then, the system 150, in block214, provisions an application similar to the MS application 125 to thedevices 110, 105 to enable network sharing via network devices, such asmobile devices 120-126. Once the application is configured and runningon the devices 110, 105, the devices, in block 216, advertise or sendtheir requests for shared access.

In parallel, the mobile devices 120-126, which can be known to thesystem 150, learn, in block 220, about the availability to share accessto the network 130. The devices 120-126, in block 222, download andconfigure the MS application 125 to their devices. Both types of devices(requesting devices and sharing devices) are now configured and/orprovisioned for performing P2P communications when sharing access to thenetwork 130.

In block 224, the mobile devices 120-126, configured with the MSapplication 125 and capable of providing shared access to the network130, advertise or otherwise make available their device information todevices 110, 105, which may need access to the network 130. For example,the mobile devices 120-126 can advertise as mobile Hotspots or Wi-Fiaccess points for a certain location or area.

In block 225, a device (e.g., one or more of mobile devices 120-126)identifies a third party device seeking access to the network 130, suchas mobile device 110. Then, the device, in block 230, confirms anagreement between the device, executing a smart contract or anothergroup of rights on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. Forexample, the mobile device 120 can identify the mobile device 110 asrequesting access to the network 130, connect with the device 110, andgenerate and execute a smart contract that defines the terms of use ofthe device 120 as a P2P connection to the network 130.

As described herein, a smart contract, such as an Ethereum smartcontract, is a protocol that facilitates, verifies, and/or enforces termand resulting performance of an agreement or transaction betweenparties, such as between device 110 and device 120 (and, perhaps, thesystem 150). For example, the executed smart contract can effectuate amicropayment (e.g., using cryptocurrency such as bitcoin) between themobile device 110 and the mobile device 120 for the shared access to thenetwork 130.

Further, the execution provides for the application of secure protocolsto the information exchange between the devices. Via the smart contract,the devices may perform a handshake, verifying the authenticity of eachdevice before a P2P connection is established.

In some implementations, the mobile share system 150 can manage andexecute the smart contract or other agreement between the mobile device110 and the mobile device 120 for sharing access to the network 130. Theserver 140 can receive information about the devices, includinginformation identifying an agreed upon transaction between the parties(rates for the transaction, duration of the transaction, and so on). Thesystem 150, upon accessing the information about the shared accessbetween the devices, executes the smart contract governing the accesstransaction, and manages payment between devices.

In block 235, the mobile device 120 determines the smart contract isexecuted by both parties. Then, the mobile device 120, in block 240,establishes a P2P connection between the devices, and begins, in block242, data sharing or other sharing of services provided by the network130. For example, the device 120 can establish a Wi-Fi tether or bridgeconnection, via the device 120, to the network 130.

Once the sharing of the access to the network 130 has completed, thedevice 110, in block 242, or the system 150, in block 244, can processor provide a micropayment for the use of the device 120 as an accesspoint to the network 130. For example, the micropayment can be acryptocurrency transaction between parties, or can be facilitated by thenetwork carries, such as via the mobile share system 150 in coordinationwith a network billing or charging system.

Thus, in some embodiments, the network 130, via associated devices or aninternal system, enables mobile devices to access services provided bythe network 130 via shared access with other devices known to thenetwork 130. The internal system can be the mobile share system 150,supported by the internal server 140 of the network carrier.

As described herein the system 150 can facilitate access to thetelecommunications network 130. The system 150 can include an accessrequest module that receives information identifying a requesting mobiledevice requesting access to the telecommunications network and a sharingmobile device configured to provide the requesting mobile device accessto the telecommunications network via peer to peer communicationsbetween the requesting mobile device and the sharing mobile device.

The system 150 can also include an execution module that executes asmart contract between the requesting mobile device, the sharing mobiledevice, and the network carrier providing the telecommunicationsnetwork. Once the smart contract (or other or communication) is executedor performed, the system 150, via a network provisioning module,provisions access to the telecommunications network 130 for therequesting mobile device via the peer to peer communications between therequesting mobile device and the sharing mobile device.

As described herein, the execution module can perform a blockchainoperation to execute the smart contract on a blockchain associated withthe telecommunications network. The smart contract can include certainterms, such as:

-   -   a term defining a rate charged to the requesting mobile device        to access the telecommunications network via the peer to peer        communications between the requesting mobile device and the        sharing mobile device;    -   a term defining a credit provided to the sharing mobile device        to provide the access to the telecommunications network via the        peer to peer communications between the requesting mobile device        and the sharing mobile device; and/or    -   a term defining a percentage of the rate charged to the        requesting device to be provided to the network carrier for        facilitating the access the telecommunications network via the        peer to peer communications between the requesting mobile device        and the sharing mobile device.

Further, the system 150 can include a request authorization module thatauthorizes the requesting mobile device to access the requestedtelecommunications services via the peer to peer communications betweenthe requesting mobile device and the sharing mobile device. For example,the system 150, can determine that the requesting mobile device intendsto establish a virtual private network (VPN) or other complexcommunication protocol via the shared access, and deny or otherwisemanage the request.

In some implementations, the mobile share system 150 can include variouscomponents or modules to manage the sharing of access to the network 130via P2P communications between mobile devices. In other implementations,the mobile devices can include such components (e.g., via the MSapplications 125).

Thus, either the mobile devices or the system 150 can perform some orall of the process described herein and directed to providing sharedaccess to the network 130. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating amethod 300 for providing telecommunications network access to a mobiledevice. The method 300 can be performed by the mobile devices or thesystem 150 and, accordingly, is described herein merely by way ofreference thereto. It will be appreciated that the method 300 can beperformed on any suitable hardware or device

In operation 310, the system 150 receives a request from a third partymobile device associated with a third party user that is not asubscriber of the telecommunications network to access thetelecommunications network via the subscriber mobile device. Forexample, the system 150 can receive a request from the mobile device 110to access the network 130.

In operation 320, the system 150 identifies one or more mobile devicesat a location that includes the requesting device that are configured toshare access to the network. For example, the system 150 identifiesmobile device 120 as being available to provide access to the network130.

In some cases, the system 150 can select a certain mobile device toprovide shared access based on various known or dynamically changingcharacteristics assigned to the device (and stored in database 155). Forexample, the system 150 can match or select a mobile device based on acurrent location of the devices, a current use or operation of thedevices (e.g., currently in use streaming a video or on a call), batterylevels for the devices (e.g., including whether the devices are onbattery power or charging), capabilities or functionalities supported bythe devices, device type information, and so on. Once selected, thesystem 150 routes or otherwise transmits the request to the selecteddevice.

In operation 330, the system 150 facilitates execution, by thesubscriber mobile device, of a smart contract that defines terms betweenthe subscriber mobile device and the third party mobile device.Execution of the smart contract facilitates access to thetelecommunications network 130 for the subscriber mobile device via peerto peer communications between the subscriber mobile device and thethird party mobile device.

The smart contract, as described herein, can define:

-   -   types of communication services provided by the        telecommunications network that are accessible by the third        party mobile device over the established peer to peer        connection;    -   rates to be charged to the third party for accessing the        communication services provided by the telecommunications        network over the established peer to peer connection;    -   credits to be provided to the subscriber of the        telecommunications network for sharing access to the        telecommunications network over the established peer to peer        connection; and so on.

In operation 340, the system 150 (via the devices) establishes (orcauses to establish) a peer to peer connection between the subscribermobile device and the third party mobile device in response to theexecution of the smart contract. For example, the system 150 enables themobile device 120 to establish, via the MS application 125, a P2Pconnection with the mobile device 110. Once established, the mobiledevice 110 can communicate over the network 130 via the mobile device120.

As described herein, some or all of the operations of method 300 can beperformed by the mobile devices. For example, the MS application 125 ofthe sharing mobile device 120 can execute a smart contract on ablockchain, establish a P2P connection with mobile device 110, and/ormanage micropayments between devices, without contacting the system 150.

Thus, in some embodiments, the systems and methods described hereinenable users of mobile devices to mutually benefit from shared access toa network. The mobile devices can include a mobile application, such asthe MS application 125, which facilitates the requesting of sharedaccess, the advertisement of being an available device, as well asmanagement of other user configurations or parameters.

FIG. 4 is a display diagram illustrating an example user interface 400for a requesting device seeking access to a telecommunications network.As depicted, a user can launch a peer to peer network sharing request410. The application, using the processes described herein, identifiesvarious options and/or devices for accessing the network 130, andpresents the options to the user of the requesting device. These optionsinclude: an option 420 (“option 1”) to pay a certain rate to shareaccess via a certain mobile device (depicted with a pseudoanonymousidentifier, an option 430 (“option 2”) to pay a different rate foraggregated access to multiple devices, an option 440 (“option 3”) to payvia another method, such as by periodically watching advertisementsprovided by the system 150, or an option 450 to check for more accessoptions.

FIG. 5 is a display diagram illustrating an example user interface 500for a sharing device configured to provide peer to peer network accessto a mobile device. As depicted, the user can view various options forresponding to a shared access request 510 from a third party mobiledevice. An associated application, using the processes described herein,identifies various options for being compensated for providing sharedaccess to the network 130, and presents the options to the user of therequesting device. These options include: an option 520 (“option 1”) toreceive a gift card from a sponsor or partner company, an option 530(“option 2”) to receive a credit on a future bill (e.g., a data orpayment credit), an option 540 (“option 3”) to receive an additionaldata bucket, and so on.

Further, the user interface 500 can provide an option 550 for the userto set certain parameters associated with providing shared access, suchas parameters that define time period in which the user is available toprovide network sharing, parameters to define acceptable rates,parameters to define certain locations at which network sharing is to bemade available, and so on.

Thus, in various implementations, a network enables mobile devices toaccess services provided by the network via shared access points ordevices, such as via P2P communications between mobile devices. In doingso, the network facilitates efficient and enhanced access for unknown orthird party mobile devices, while incentivizing its own subscribers toexpand access to the network, among other benefits.

Conclusion

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number can also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

As used herein, being above a threshold means that a value for an itemunder comparison is above a specified other value, that an item undercomparison is among a certain specified number of items with the largestvalue, or that an item under comparison has a value within a specifiedtop percentage value. As used herein, being below a threshold means thata value for an item under comparison is below a specified other value,that an item under comparison is among a certain specified number ofitems with the smallest value, or that an item under comparison has avalue within a specified bottom percentage value. As used herein, beingwithin a threshold means that a value for an item under comparison isbetween two specified other values, that an item under comparison isamong a middle specified number of items, or that an item undercomparison has a value within a middle specified percentage range.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific examples for the technology aredescribed above for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the technology. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative implementations can perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks can be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks can be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks can instead be performed orimplemented in parallel, or can be performed at different times. Furtherany specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternativeimplementations can employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various examples described above can be combined to providefurther implementations of the technology. Some alternativeimplementations of the technology can include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also can includefewer elements.

These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain examples of the technology, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, thetechnology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system can varyconsiderably in its specific implementation, while still beingencompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the technology to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under theclaims.

To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology arepresented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplatesthe various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. Forexample, while only one aspect of the technology is recited as acomputer-readable medium claim, other aspects can likewise be embodiedas a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as beingembodied in a means-plus-function claim. Any claims intended to betreated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”,but use of the term “for” in any other context is not intended to invoketreatment under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, the applicant reservesthe right to pursue additional claims after filing this application topursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in acontinuing application.

What is claimed is:
 1. At least one computer-readable medium, excludingtransitory signals, carrying instructions that, when executed by acomputing system, cause the computing system to perform operations forfacilitating access to a telecommunications network, the operationscomprising: receive a request to access the telecommunications networkfrom a third-party device associated with a third-party user that is nota subscriber of the telecommunications network; identify at least oneavailable subscriber device associated with a subscriber of thetelecommunications network to provide access to the telecommunicationsnetwork; cause a display, via a graphical user interface of thethird-party device, of a set of selectable icons, wherein each icon inthe set of selectable icons is associated with an option for providingaccess to the telecommunications network to the third-party device viathe identified at least one available subscriber device; identify aselection of an icon from the set of selectable icons; execute atransaction that defines terms to facilitate access to thetelecommunications network by the third-party device via the identifiedat least one available subscriber device, wherein executing thetransaction includes executing terms of use based on the identifiedselection of the icon from the set of selectable icons, wherein theterms include a payment rate that is based on a quantity of availablesubscriber devices that are indicated by the selected icon; and inresponse to the execution of the transaction, cause establishment of aconnection between the third-party device and the at least one availablesubscriber device.
 2. The at least one computer-readable medium of claim1, wherein the set of selectable icons includes a selectable iconassociated with an option for the third-party user to pay compensationat a first rate for access to the telecommunications network via acertain subscriber device, a selectable icon associated with an optionfor the third-party user to pay compensation at a second rate foraggregated access to the telecommunications network via two or moresubscriber devices, or both.
 3. The at least one computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the set of selectable icons includes aselectable icon associated with an option for an ad-based session,wherein the third-party user agrees to watch at least one advertisementin exchange for receiving access to the telecommunications network. 4.The at least one computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the set ofselectable icons includes a selectable icon associated with an optionfor the third-party user to pay compensation for access to thetelecommunications network based on an amount of data used by thethird-party device, a selectable icon associated with an option for thethird-party user to pay compensation for access to thetelecommunications network based on a duration of a session, or both. 5.The at least one computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein theidentified at least one available subscriber device is identified basedat least in part on a location associated with the at least oneavailable subscriber device.
 6. The at least one computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the executed transaction includes a smartcontract executed on a blockchain that defines terms between the atleast one available subscriber device and the third-party device tofacilitate access to the telecommunications network.
 7. The at least onecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the executed terms of useinclude terms that define at least one type of communication servicesprovided by the telecommunications network that are accessible by thethird-party device over the established connection.
 8. A method offacilitating access to a telecommunications network, the methodcomprising: receiving a request to access the telecommunications networkfrom a third-party device associated with a third-party user that is nota subscriber of the telecommunications network; identifying at least oneavailable subscriber device associated with a subscriber of thetelecommunications network to provide access to the telecommunicationsnetwork; causing a display, via a graphical user interface of thethird-party device, of a set of selectable icons, wherein each icon inthe set of selectable icons is associated with an option for providingaccess to the telecommunications network to the third-party device viathe identified at least one available subscriber device; identifying aselection of an icon from the set of selectable icons; executing atransaction that defines terms to facilitate access to thetelecommunications network by the third-party device via the identifiedat least one available subscriber device, wherein executing thetransaction includes executing terms of use based on the identifiedselection of the icon from the set of selectable icons, wherein theterms include a payment rate that is based on a quantity of availablesubscriber devices that are indicated by the selected icon; and inresponse to the execution of the transaction, causing establishment of aconnection between the third-party device and the at least one availablesubscriber device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the set ofselectable icons includes a selectable icon associated with an optionfor the third-party user to pay compensation at a first rate for accessto the telecommunications network via a certain subscriber device, aselectable icon associated with an option for the third-party user topay compensation at a second rate for aggregated access to thetelecommunications network via two or more subscriber devices, or both.10. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of selectable icons includesa selectable icon associated with an option for an ad-based session,wherein the third-party user agrees to watch at least one advertisementin exchange for receiving access to the telecommunications network. 11.The method of claim 8, wherein the set of selectable icons includes aselectable icon associated with an option for the third-party user topay compensation for access to the telecommunications network based onan amount of data used by the third-party device, a selectable iconassociated with an option for the third-party user to pay compensationfor access to the telecommunications network based on a duration of asession, or both.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the identified atleast one available subscriber device is identified based at least inpart on a location associated with the at least one available subscriberdevice.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the executed transactionincludes a smart contract executed on a blockchain that defines termsbetween the at least one available subscriber device and the third-partydevice to facilitate access to the telecommunications network.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the executed terms of use include terms thatdefine at least one type of communication services provided by thetelecommunications network that is accessible by the third-party deviceover the established connection.
 15. A system for facilitating access toa telecommunications network, comprising: at least one processor; and atleast one memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the atleast one memory carries instructions that, when executed by the system,cause the system to perform operations comprising: receive a request toaccess the telecommunications network from a third-party deviceassociated with a third-party user that is not a subscriber of thetelecommunications network; identify at least one available subscriberdevice associated with a subscriber of the telecommunications network toprovide access to the telecommunications network; cause a display, via agraphical user interface of the third-party device, of a set ofselectable icons, wherein each icon in the set of selectable icons isassociated with an option for providing access to the telecommunicationsnetwork to the third-party device via the identified at least oneavailable subscriber device; identify a selection of an icon from theset of selectable icons; execute a transaction that defines terms tofacilitate access to the telecommunications network by the third-partydevice via the identified at least one available subscriber device,wherein executing the transaction includes executing terms of use basedon the identified selection of the icon from the set of selectableicons, wherein the terms include a payment rate that is based on aquantity of available subscriber devices that are indicated by theselected icon; and in response to the execution of the transaction,cause establishment of a connection between the third-party device andthe at least one available subscriber device.
 16. The system of claim15, wherein the set of selectable icons includes a selectable iconassociated with an option for the third-party user to pay compensationat a first rate for access to the telecommunications network via acertain subscriber device, a selectable icon associated with an optionfor the third-party user to pay compensation at a second rate foraggregated access to the telecommunications network via two or moresubscriber devices, or both.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the setof selectable icons includes a selectable icon associated with an optionfor an ad-based session, wherein the third-party user agrees to watch atleast one advertisement in exchange for receiving access to thetelecommunications network.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the setof selectable icons includes a selectable icon associated with an optionfor the third-party user to pay compensation for access to thetelecommunications network based on an amount of data used by thethird-party device, a selectable icon associated with an option for thethird-party user to pay compensation for access to thetelecommunications network based on a duration of a session, or both.19. The system of claim 15, wherein the identified at least oneavailable subscriber device is identified based at least in part on alocation associated with the at least one available subscriber device.20. The system of claim 15, wherein the executed terms of use includeterms that define at least one type of communication services providedby the telecommunications network that is accessible by the third-partydevice over the established connection.